117 | Letting Go to Make Room
What’s the best way to make space for what matters most in this season?
Let go.
Let go of what feels like a burden.
Let go of aspirational pictures of how things should go.
Let go of unrealistic expectations for yourself and others.
Years ago, I got it in my head that for gifts I was going to make homemade marshmallows and pair them with my favorite hot chocolate mix.
I could picture the whole thing—how I would package them, how delicious they would be, how I would add a new skill to my caramel-making expertise.
One problem . . . they were a total flop.
Maybe I didn’t choose the easiest recipe. Maybe (certainly) I didn’t allow myself enough time because I waited until the last possible minute. Absolutely I had put a ridiculous amount of pressure on myself to fulfill the vision I had in my head. Probably I didn’t cook them to the right temperature.
They were a sticky gooey mess. In a fit of frustration and tears, I threw them into the garbage.
Then, I let go. I made a backup plan. No one knew the difference because they didn’t know about the visions of homemade marshmallows dancing in my head.
One of my favorite things to do at Christmas-time is to make homemade caramels for loved ones. Last year, there was one problem. I was winding up my time at the church I had served for 18+ years and I was ready to be done. I didn’t have the energy or bandwidth for a lot the traditions I usually love—including making caramels. So I didn’t. I let it go. I took the pressure off and created space for what I needed: more down time, more rest.
Guess what I’m doing this year from a place of renewed energy and joy? I’m making caramels for my loved ones. I even tried making marshmallows again. They are delicious, but I think I’ll let that go and stick with caramels.
✨ In the comments, tell us one thing you can let go this season to make room for what matters more.
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